Reem Asaad

Vice president - Middle East and Africa, Cisco

As the official digital network partner of Expo 2020, Cisco has been tasked with the mammoth responsibility of managing, operating and maintaining expo’s entire IT network – representing one of the most advanced operations of its kind in the region. Cisco will drive the end-to-end network services delivery across Expo’s three thematic districts, pavilions, parks, and arrival plazas, as well as the Dubai Exhibition Centre, which is co-located at the site. “The path to the digital future is paved through the power of intelligent networks. We’ve partnered with Expo 2020 to help ensure their infrastructure delivers on that promise,” the company says. At the helm of Cisco for the MEA region is Reem Asaad, who comes with over two decades of expertise in the industry. Leading a team of 2,500 Cisco employees and contractors, Asaad – who was previously the CEO of Cairo-based business process outsourcing service company Raya Data Centre, is now responsible for strengthening partnerships with governments, clients, and partners to assist them accelerate their digitalisation agendas. She was also appointed to the board of directors for Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency earlier this year.